First Direct

chelseablue

Looking to change mortgage lender early next year and at the moment First Direct are offering the best rate for us.

Never had any accounts with them so just wondering if anyone on here has had their mortgage with them?

Would you recommend? What's their customer service like? Can you view your mortgage online?

obay

1st Direct is an HSBC owned bank AFAIK. Lots of people raving about 1st direct being a lot better than the main banks.

More people will follow, only stuff that I have read online.

YHM

As above, part of the HSBC group.

No physical branches, but advice will be given over the phone from either Leeds contact centre or Hamilton.

Good products, just clunky systems.

chelseablue

Thank you both, fixed rate ends in March so just starting to look around at different lenders.

I think First Direct offer unlimited overpayments which would be good for us in the future

clairebeth

We've just remortgaged with them and found them great, but to be honest have never had a problem with previous lenders either. I haven't been able to view my mortgage online, but surely this will have to change at some point. They do a six month mortgage offer, so you could lock it in now.

mobileron

Used them for 20 years now for banking and mortgage,they have always won the awards for best customer service.
Based in Leeds with uk agents and u get thru in minutes,they will also offer u £ 150 to switch.

Akahotpot

I have a pending mortgage with them (chain collapsed) and everything as been done over the phone quickly

waveneygnome

Been with them for past 6yrs. Customer service has been excellent. We remortgaged/switched deals and all went smoothly.

I think you'll need to move your current account over to them in order to obtain the mortgage.

Have heard they cherry pick the 'best borrowers'/are thorough on the underwriting - from previous posters on this forum.

On the current account front, they have been excellent at spotting unusual transactions on the account (which were actually legitimate transactions), and always call to query anything large/out of ordinary.

Online access gives the current account and mortgage account balances in one location - easy to see.

Can't speak highly enough of them.

scoops82

Do FD have any rules regarding owning a BTL? Im looking at there 5 year fixed rate at 1.99%.


Thanks

Preacher64

Our mortgage was with them for the last few years and recently was paid off. We never had any problems with them. Easily accessible, good communications and the mortgage completion process was handled smoothly and efficiently.


No complaints at all here.

zagubov

They're good, but they're careful and methodical and they take their time so apply early.
You will have to open a new bank account with them, but you don't have to close other accounts.